Well....I am looking to by a road bike. I have a Schwinn hardtail mountain bike and this point I would like to have a bike for both off and on. A am a novice to the skinny tire world and since I already have a bike, I would like to keep a somewhat tight budget. At this point I plan to bike to work and bike -with some friends on 20-30 mile runs. I want to start cheap then if needed build my way up?

So here are a couple of questions:

1) I am 6'2 - 200 lbs - From what I read I need a 60cm bike right? Or somewhere near.

2) I have seen single speed, 7, 14, 21.... A couple with 14 gears caught my attention but how much would I really lose not having 21. Despite the fact seven less gears. I am looking performance wise.

3) Now the big one: Yes I hate WalMart but hell they have good prices on some bikes and it may just fit the ticket for now. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-70...d-Bike/4698938 What could you tell me your opinions about this one? It has 14 gears, the shifters are near the handle bar post and not under or around the brakes. I would have to get it shipped so I would be putting a lot of it together myself vs. walmart kid. For $230 it is hard to beat. The GMC ones there have twist shifters on the handle bars for reference. I know I would be getting what I paid for but really how much better would $350 extra get me on a Giant/Trek/ etc? Would this be a good starting point? I dont want to buy and regret. I have a friend that is in the same boat. Then another friend that has bought $1000 road bike and wants us to take that route. Really how bad could it be? I noticed the welds are the same as on $600-$700 Treks.


Long winded it may be but I hope to get some good insight, because I know it is here.